The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Andrew Petko, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 151st Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near the Zigzag Pass, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 February 1945. On that date, Private First Class Petko heroically aided in the dramatic rescue of several wounded men while under intense enemy fire while advancing with his platoon in Zigzag Pass. Enemy fire was extremely heavy, resulting in numerous casualties in the platoon, which was in an open area without cover of any kind, and was completely surrounded by enemy pillboxes concealed in the woods on the sides and front. The platoon was ordered to withdraw but the concentration of fire in the area had become so heavy that there appeared to be no reasonable possibility of survival for any who attempted evacuation of the wounded. Despite these tremendous odds, and the fact that he could have honorably withdrawn with his platoon, Private First Class Petko voluntarily remained in this hail of machine gun and mortar fire and on his own initiative, organized and led a litter party to the wounded men. Machinegun bullets struck him in both knees, but Private First Class Petko continued to advance toward the wounded, personally locating six of them and directing their rescue. Through his actions, Private First Class Petko was under direct observation of the enemy for approximately 45 minutes, however, despite his own excruciating pain from his own wounds, he succeeded in locating the position of two enemy pillboxes. Had he not done so, the platoon could not have withdrawn without being annihilated. After the last casualty had been evacuated, Private First Class Petko returned to the first aid station for medical treatment for himself. Private First Class Petko’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.